Terrier commutes from Stamford for big show

Updated 1:36 pm, Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Michael McLoughlin, from Stamford, shows his dog Rosie, a Tibetan terrier, during the 137th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Pier 92/94 in New York City on Monday, Feb. 11, 2013. For related coverage go to www.westminsterkennelclub.org.

Michael McLoughlin, from Stamford, shows his dog Rosie, a Tibetan terrier, during the 137th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Pier 92/94 in New York City on Monday, Feb. 11, 2013. For related coverage go to

David Kirkland, left, judges Michael McLoughlin's dog Rosie, a Tibetan terrier, during the 137th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Pier 92/94 in New York City on Monday, Feb. 11, 2013. For related coverage go to www.westminsterkennelclub.org. less

David Kirkland, left, judges Michael McLoughlin's dog Rosie, a Tibetan terrier, during the 137th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Pier 92/94 in New York City on Monday, Feb. 11, 2013. For related coverage go ... more

NEW YORK -- Many people travel into Manhattan for work, but Michael McLoughlin might be one of the few who commutes regularly from New York City to Stamford for his hobby.

McLoughlin, 34, grew up in Connecticut, where his parents still live, and where he keeps his four Tibetan terriers, including Rosie, who showed Monday morning at the 137th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

McLoughlin's parents, Marie and Jim McLoughlin, drove Rosie to Manhattan through Monday morning's drizzle for an early competition. Before entering the ring, McLoughlin busied himself brushing Rosie's thick black coat, which had turned frizzy in the humidity.

McLoughlin first became interested in showing dogs after he got a Wheaton terrier at age 14. He started taking her to obedience classes and then to dog shows, where pooches are judged based on how well they represent the standards of their breed. At the events, McLoughlin saw some Tibetan terriers, and became interested in the dogs, acquiring his first one a few years later. He also chairs "meet the breed" events run by the Westminster Kennel Club, and has competed at Westminster six times.

"It was a hobby," McLoughlin said. "It was something to do."

Rosie's mother, Sadie, lived with McLoughlin in New York City for a while and McLoughlin would take her up to Stamford on the weekends via Metro-North. McLoughlin later sent Sadie to live up in Stamford while he waited to move into a new apartment, and got used to her suburban home.

"She was a good city dog," Marie McLoughlin, said, explaining that Tibetan terriers were bred as companions for Tibetan monks.

On Monday, Rosie bounded around Ring 2 at Pier 92, the event space on the Hudson River where the daytime breed judging took place, but came away without an award.

Marie and Jim planned to drive back to Stamford later that morning, then make a trip back in to the city to pick up Rosie after her required stint in the show's benching area, where spectators can interact with the pooches and ask owners and breeders questions.

Despite the hectic schedule, it was a good experience for dog and owner.

"She was happy," McLoughlin said. "She enjoyed herself. The most important thing is they have fun."